Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Wish I Had A River

You know the song. It's a Joni Mitchel favorite of so many, especially this time of year.

It's coming on Christmas

They're cutting down trees

They're putting up reindeer

And singing songs of joy and peace

I wish I had a river I could skate away on

With all the flurry and the hurry and the brouhaha whirling around town, I'm worn out just watching it from the sidelines. There's always excitement in the air at Christmas time no matter where you are. Even if you try to steer clear from the commotion you can't avoid the spirit of the season.

We found a Fraser Fir tree that traveled all the way from the Appalachians. Little white lights were wrapped around her, and six handmade ornaments were hung on branches ever so precisely.

This time every year I bake scads of Bison, Bird and Cactus cut-out cookies with my girlfriend. We laugh and carry on in my warm kitchen with Skye winding in and out between our legs. On the stereo is a CD called Stockings by the Fire. When that "River" song comes on, sung by Corinne Bailey Rae & Herbie Hancock, we start singing along...I wish I had a river I could skate away on...

I'm a homebody for the most part. When I'm not out seeing the world, when the Mustangs aren't in reach, and when the snow is too deep, I'm just fine huddled around my little heater watching the flames, flipping through all my books on Pronghorn, prairies, field guides, identifying animal tracks, Yurts, New Mexico, and Yellowstone in winter. I close my eyes and think about Red Feather. I miss that old trailer, covered in snow.

It's been a contemplative time for me these days. Winter does that to me. It's nothing new. Anyway, I like the fact that having winter, with all her cold and snow, gives me more of an excuse to slow down, to linger with my books, to dream by the fire...I close my eyes and think about the wild horses. Where's Poney Boy? I wonder.

Snow falls on adobe. Everything is white. Icicles are dangling. It's wintertime in Wyoming. And like the horses, I'm hiding. Like the bears, I'm hibernating.

Oh, I wish I had a river so long
I would teach my feet to fly

 

23 comments:

  1. Lovely Christimasy post...even we are getting some wintery weather, rain..rain, but that is about it. I have stayed out of the crowds and happier for it.

    Enjoy the holiday and its magic xx

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    1. I know. It's about all I can take right about now.
      Here's to a peaceful holiday for you and C and the boyz.
      x

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  2. Looks like we feeling the same way this time of year. It's actually pretty nice to slow down, spend some time alone, and watch the world go by. Enjoy, dear sister.

    And I love those bison cookies!! :)

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    1. I need and embrace the slow pace, like you.
      The bison cookies were really good. It's actually kind of a shortbread recipe I've been using for years. Lots of vanilla. :)
      Peace to you, Sagey
      x

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  3. You are balancing all this well. :) Good thoughts & prayers being sent to the ponies!

    That fire and the books look so cozy!

    xo, prairie sister.

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    1. Bless the ponies! How utterly sweet and thoughtful of you, my dear prairie sister out that other way!
      Balance. I think I've got it!
      x

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  4. Heerlijk alleen al om zulke mooie gedachten te hebben.

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    1. je bent erg aardig. merkt heerlijk om op u betrekking hebben door de mijl en scriptie berichten of bij ons ! dank u en Vrolijke Kerstmis aan u en uw gezin .

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  5. "it don't snow here
    it stays pretty green
    I'm gonna make a lotta money
    then I'm gonna quit this crazy scene"

    Can you tell that song plays on heavy rotation in my studio this time of year?

    I'm jealous of your snow, but loving your gorgeous tale of winter. I really think I need bison cookie cutters now, too!

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    1. Oh, I know you've been busy Clare! And isn't that the best song to full your heart? There are so many versions. But, I like the Joni best, of course.
      Your P town is bright and shiny and forested. Maybe you will get a dusting?
      Send some evergreen scent down my way, will you??
      x

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  6. Where is my snow?!
    Where are MY cookies?!?!

    Glad that you get together with a girl friend and bake your little hearts out.
    x

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    1. I tossed a couple of snowballs up and over to the east. Didn't you get them??
      You'll get some. I bet it will snow on your farm on Christmas. That's my prediction. And I have been known to have psychic abilities, girlfriend.
      And the cookies? Well, I ate them. :)
      xx

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  7. I love this post! All those great books you're paging through by the tree and the fire, buffalo cookies, pony ornaments, kitties and snow (envious of your snow - ours is pretty much gone). Like Clare, I'm thinking I need to find a buffalo cookie cutter, too! Enjoy the peacefulness of the season, Lynn.

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    1. Glad you liked it. That's a nice compliment because writing something good is what I strive for, usually. I live with a writer, I edit his work, so I better learn something along the way, right?
      I knew you'd enjoy seeing what books I'm reading, Diana.
      And those bison cookie cutters? They're fabulous. Maybe Santa was good to you this year! ;)
      Thank you for being here.
      xx

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  8. a lovely peek into your winter wonderland!! we have no snow, but with the new pups that is actually very helpful! i think you need a horse like that in your own yard-- perhaps a paint would go well with the adobe...
    happy to see you enjoying the turning inwards of this solstice season!
    xx

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    1. I'd say new puppies are way better than mounds of snow!! Kiss those long ears for me, Janet.
      That statue. Who wouldn't want a horse in their yard, huh??
      Merry Christmas to you, my neighbor down there in Colorado country.
      x

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  9. all that snow! glad that you enjoy this time of year and had fun time with your friends. save me some cookies :p happy holidays, Lynn!!!

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    1. I will save you cookies!!!
      I will wait for you to come out here someday, Niken. If I get to Bali before you come to wyoming, I will hand deliver the bison cookies.
      Got your package girl. YOU ARE AMAZING.
      thank you. xx

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  10. OF COURSE you would have horse ornaments on your tree!
    oh, that photo of you kissing the horse. i hope you planted one for me, also, right square on that horsie's face.
    i love how you decorate your cookies. so perfect. after all, one is just going to EAT them, so slather on the icing and pearls and chomp them down!!
    love you so much, red dirt….but give me back my snow!!
    [and joni, yes….skating that river….]

    xO

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    1. Hahahah! Leave it to you to comment about my decorating skills on the cookies!! I was wondering, 'whose going to say, wow, she just slathered that blue shit on there without a care in the world' . Lol
      Thanks for being such a great friend. Just for that, I will kiss that horse statue AGAIN for you.
      xxO

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  11. Whose woods these are I think I know.
    His house is in the village, though;
    He will not see me stopping here
    To watch his woods fill up with snow.

    My little horse must think it queer
    To stop without a farmhouse near
    Between the woods and frozen lake
    The darkest evening of the year.

    He gives his harness bells a shake
    To ask if there is some mistake.
    The only other sound's the sweep
    Of easy wind and downy flake.

    The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep.

    :)

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    1. THAT IS BEAUTIFUL!!!!
      That queer little horse....
      Thank you for sharing that awesome Poem.
      :) :)
      x

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    2. A white Christmas it looks magical. No snow here for Christmas, maybe just a sparkly frost. Wishing you and the rest if the family a joyful Christmas my beautiful cousin xx

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